Ed Miliband was in Manchester launching Labour’s health pledge, so European leader Glenis Willmott MEP gave the opening report. Labour MEPs opposed an increase in the budget because of continuing waste on the common agricultural policy, and were campaigning on violence against women, assistance for disabled people, allegations of corruption against EU officials in Kosovo, commitment to science and, with Steve Rotheram MP, on tyre safety. On TTIP (transatlantic trade and investment partnership) Labour were working to protect public services, and for alternatives to the ISDS (investor state dispute settlement) whereby companies can sue governments, in secret, for interfering with their profits.

As usual the first meeting after conference was an extended session, setting strategy for the year ahead, with general election victory the over-riding objective. Presentations showed an impressive level of organisation on the ground and increasingly sophisticated online operations. The Tories will massively outspend us and regular donations from thousands of individuals were making a huge difference, though I stressed that members must be engaged in policy and valued as a source of ideas, not just of cash. The European campaign fund had also helped to keep more than 100 organisers in post. Overall membership had increased this year, with an extra 1.7% joining during conference week.